Golden Record Curation

I found it really challenging to select 10 tracks from the Golden Record, as I don’t have a musical background.  I don’t play any instruments and am familiar with a limited number of musical genres, so my criteria had to be based on what I do know.  Initially I realized that I tended to connect more to music I had been exposed to before.  This would have been very limiting, however, so I shifted my strategy and began thinking about the original purpose of the Golden Record, which was to include musical excerpts from around the world.  I therefore selected tracks based on two main criteria:

The selections evoked a strong emotional response.

The selections had to represent all corners of the globe.

Ultimately this exercise reminded me of this week’s topic regarding what to digitize.  It’s an interesting metaphor for the question that faces those tasked with deciding which texts to digitize and which can afford to be lost.

SONG SELECTIONS:

AFRICA

Senegal, percussion, recorded by Charles Duvelle. 2:08

• I selected this track because the rhythm and voice reminded me of how music can be used for different purposes. I imagined this song could inspire emotion, reflection, or be used to tell a story.

LATIN AMERICA

Mexico, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. 3:14

• I selected this track because it immediately inspired an uplifting mood. The rhythm is engaging and captivating.

EUROPE

Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55

• I selected this track because it is an example of how music is a powerful form of communication. Even though I don’t speak the language of the speaker, I felt like I could feel what she was saying.  I also like the fact that a female voice provided this powerful and emotional performance.

Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35

• This track is all about emotion. It is clear the story is fraught with emotion – fear, suspense, tension – these are evident throughout.  No lyrics are needed to communicate these powerful emotions.  I also appreciated the wide range of instruments.

Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20

• While I confess to a limited musical background, I feel like this must be one of the most famous pieces of music ever composed. It’s evidence of the range of human emotion, and how music can speak these emotions.

AUSTRALIA

Australia, Aborigine songs, “Morning Star” and “Devil Bird,” recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26

• I selected this track for its incredibly unique sounding instrument. Not only this, but the voice of the singer was captivating.  I was a spiritual sound that inspired reflection and contemplation.

NORTH AMERICA

Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57

• I wanted to include indigenous voices in my selection. This powerful chant reminded me of the strong spiritual beliefs of indigenous peoples.

Melancholy Blues,” performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05

• Not only was I trying to include songs from across the globe, but I also wanted to include songs from different cultural groups. This artist had a major impact on American music, and Jazz represents how African American contributions should be valued.

Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38

• How could I not include this…immediately I thought of BACK TO THE FUTURE! I say this somewhat sarcastically, as clearly Chuck Berry’s influence extends far beyond this movie, but it does speak to the influence of this rock and roll classic, and another timeless contribution from African American artists.

ASIA

India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30

• This track comes from the most populated country on earth, this alone is criteria for inclusion. I was also struck by the spiritual tone and use of multiple unique instruments.